Not all states are created equal - the same can be said for credit card debt and credit scores. Throughout the United States, you can find an array of cultures, living conditions and standards of living that all contribute unevenly to the use and reliance on credit cards. One of the most interesting aspects of this list is the relatively low credit card debt in states that are, on average, poorer than states laden with high debts. The following states should be examined in further detail to determine what precise spending habits can be replicated throughout the country to further lower the cumulative amount of credit card debt.
Wisconsin
With the lowest per capita credit card debt in the country ($5,062), Wisconsinites seem to demonstrate a level of fiscal responsibility that is the envy of the country. Despite having a median household income in the top-half of all U.S. States ($49,001), Wisconsin has managed to keep its debt burden low. Many states with high standards of living also have high credit card debt per capita, but Wisconsin breaks the mold. Wisconsin also has the 14th highest credit score in the country (662).
Mississippi
Ranking number two when it comes to the least amount of credit card debt ($5,276), the situation in Mississippi is far different from that in Wisconsin. Mississippi also has the lowest median household income of any state in the country ($36,851), and it would appear that the lack of lots of credit card debt stems from the inability to pay said debts off in the first place. Despite this, Mississippi has a relatively high average credit score; ranking 18th, the average score is 652.
Alabama
Somewhat similar to Mississippi in being a poor, southern state, Alabama has a slightly higher credit card debt per capita ($5,770) but also manages better in terms of median household income; Alabama ranks the 5th lowest at $40,474. Unfortunately, people in Alabama seem less able to maintain their credit when compared to their neighbors to the west. The average credit score in Alabama is 637, placing it as the 5th lowest as well.
Utah
Utah is a relatively wealthy state with minimal credit card debt and a very high average credit score. Culturally speaking, Utahns are far less likely to accrue debt; many point to larger family units and more dependence among families due to the tight-knit Mormon culture as being the main reason. Regardless of circumstance, Utah's median household income of $54,744 places it at 13th, while the standard of living in Utah is one of the lowest in the country.
Louisiana
Rounding out the top five states with the least amount of debt is Louisiana, which has seen its share of troubles over the past decade. With a median household income of $42,505, the state manages to have a higher standard of living than most can afford (30th). The credit score of the average Louisiana citizen is 635, placing it as the third lowest credit score in the country. Two major cities in Louisiana also ranked in the top ten metropolitan areas in the country with the worst credit scores.